Track Advice Needed

[SupraBkMkV]

This post is gonna come off extremely “amateur-ish” but I wanna hear from Supra owners and i don’t know any.
I’ve recently been fixated on actually getting into track driving. I’m confident I want to start doing full on track days. I’m unsure if I should start with the Supra. The small amount of people I’ve met at meets who own one have told me the platform can be extremely tedious and expensive if you’re beating on it in the summer months. I also have 0 experience on a track aside from drag racing in my previous cars so, I’m not sure I wanna track a ~50k car to start. I’ve driven the car spiritedly this year but I’m sure on track is a completely different experience so is it “beginner friendly?” How much is typical to spend on consumables and reasonable mods to make the car more competent on track as I progress as a driver?

Aside from my questions, my true dilemma is that I cannot afford another car to build. It’s either Supra or sell it and grab something cheap to build. I already have 3 cars and a motorcycle so adding a 4th is just too much at that point.
I’m sure at least a few of you track junkies can tell me about your experiences on track with the Supra and if I should commit to making it a dedicated track car.

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[Gabe]

Hi!

I am a track noob. I have been driving my Supra for a year and a half on the track and went through the same questions.

the Supra is a FANTASTIC car to track. The consumables at my level are fairly affordable. And even though I Ended up building a dedicated track car very quickly, most people are very slow and methodical in building their track car.

There is only one thing that is mandatory, the helmet. If you don’t have one, budget for a good one. New regulation just came up, so it’s a good time.

From there on, the second thing you need is better brake pads and better brake fluid. I’m gonna say, within the first 3 track weekends you need to do that.

and that’s it. That’s your build. That should last you a while.

I’m sure you are familiar with car maintenance. If no, you need to learn how to do your oil changes and flush the brake fluid. You will need to invest in those tools (jack, jack stands).

At the beginning you can probably go through the first 3 track weekends and not change them, but as you gain confidence and drive the car faster you’d need to do oil changes and flush your brake fluid frequently… a suggestion: every 4 track weekends do the oil and flush your brake fluid every 2.
Right now that’s my schedule. (My car only gets driven on the track and to the rare car show)

the consumables for that are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of the actual registration for the track (which is my measuring guide for tracking costs).

decent street tires are not only ok, they are recommended at the beginner levels because they are more forgiving than softer, grippier tires. I’m still on my original street set and I’m the king of the turtles of my level.

And then build from there. The car is reliable during and after the track. For sure some things will break, but I don’t think they are prohibitively expensive. Usually is related to suspension.

By all means transforming a Supra on a dedicated track car is not only feasible, is very rewarding and to me is the most fun relaxing thing I do.

 

[Branflakes123]

There are different ways to go about tracking to satisfy your needs, but first and foremost the Supra is totally capable on track as a first timer. The traction control is a slick learning tool for understanding when you might be asking too much while also keeping you "safe". Practice and awareness can get you to the level of turning it off completely. The point here, a Supra can grow with your skill input.

Requirements to track from dead stock.
- high temp brake fluid
- proper alignment
- helmet
- higher temp brake pads, if you are feeling ambitious or learn fast

For the sake of getting seat time, thats all the necessities. The sky's the limit on mods that improve your track experience.

Cost to run
This depends heavily on how often you plan to go.
- tires: personally I run Hankook RS4s, they last me a season easily ~$1400. More educated folks may have opinions on tires, I'm a casual tracker so take their advice.
- brakes: the Supra is heavier than plenty of options out there, brakes will wear out quicker, there are a variety of combinations if budget is the name of the game, but ~$900 for pads and rotors is a starting point
- extra power: really advise against this in general. Will send you down a rabbit hole of supporting mods when it comes to tracking.
- chassis dynamics: sway bars/coil overs/bushings/mounts all this stuff is great but the car is capable and enjoyable without these, definitely personal preference. Thousands to be spent here......if you want


True dilemma
If you do motorcycles, track that. Risk is higher, startup cost is higher(get an airbag), but repeatable cost is MUCH cheaper. I do both currently and if I was forced to choose, the Supra would be at a junk yard tomorrow.

Both are awesome though

 

[SupraBkMkV]

Hi!

I am a track noob. I have been driving my Supra for a year and a half on the track and went through the same questions.

the Supra is a FANTASTIC car to track. The consumables at my level are fairly affordable. And even though I Ended up building a dedicated track car very quickly, most people are very slow and methodical in building their track car.

There is only one thing that is mandatory, the helmet. If you don’t have one, budget for a good one. New regulation just came up, so it’s a good time.

From there on, the second thing you need is better brake pads and better brake fluid. I’m gonna say, within the first 3 track weekends you need to do that.

and that’s it. That’s your build. That should last you a while.

I’m sure you are familiar with car maintenance. If no, you need to learn how to do your oil changes and flush the brake fluid. You will need to invest in those tools (jack, jack stands).

At the beginning you can probably go through the first 3 track weekends and not change them, but as you gain confidence and drive the car faster you’d need to do oil changes and flush your brake fluid frequently… a suggestion: every 4 track weekends do the oil and flush your brake fluid every 2.
Right now that’s my schedule. (My car only gets driven on the track and to the rare car show)

the consumables for that are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of the actual registration for the track (which is my measuring guide for tracking costs).

decent street tires are not only ok, they are recommended at the beginner levels because they are more forgiving than softer, grippier tires. I’m still on my original street set and I’m the king of the turtles of my level.

And then build from there. The car is reliable during and after the track. For sure some things will break, but I don’t think they are prohibitively expensive. Usually is related to suspension.

By all means transforming a Supra on a dedicated track car is not only feasible, is very rewarding and to me is the most fun relaxing thing I do.

Really good input i appreciate it. I’m really good about maintenance and have basically every tool I imagine I’d need to do all that stuff. Might take you up on this and start preparing the car for upcoming spring i live in VA so I’m planning to head to VIR around then when it warms back up. Any recommendations on specific brake pads? I’ve seen some conversation concerning this

 

[SupraBkMkV]

There are different ways to go about tracking to satisfy your needs, but first and foremost the Supra is totally capable on track as a first timer. The traction control is a slick learning tool for understanding when you might be asking too much while also keeping you "safe". Practice and awareness can get you to the level of turning it off completely. The point here, a Supra can grow with your skill input.

Requirements to track from dead stock.
- high temp brake fluid
- proper alignment
- helmet
- higher temp brake pads, if you are feeling ambitious or learn fast

For the sake of getting seat time, thats all the necessities. The sky's the limit on mods that improve your track experience.

Cost to run
This depends heavily on how often you plan to go.
- tires: personally I run Hankook RS4s, they last me a season easily ~$1400. More educated folks may have opinions on tires, I'm a casual tracker so take their advice.
- brakes: the Supra is heavier than plenty of options out there, brakes will wear out quicker, there are a variety of combinations if budget is the name of the game, but ~$900 for pads and rotors is a starting point
- extra power: really advise against this in general. Will send you down a rabbit hole of supporting mods when it comes to tracking.
- chassis dynamics: sway bars/coil overs/bushings/mounts all this stuff is great but the car is capable and enjoyable without these, definitely personal preference. Thousands to be spent here......if you want


True dilemma
If you do motorcycles, track that. Risk is higher, startup cost is higher(get an airbag), but repeatable cost is MUCH cheaper. I do both currently and if I was forced to choose, the Supra would be at a junk yard tomorrow.

Both are awesome though

Weight is definitely something i considered too. The Supra isn’t “heavy” like other BMW’s but it ain’t a sub 3000 lb car either. As far as the motorcycle on track I’m too scared i only ride to avoid traffic when it’s warm out. But this is really good input I’ll look into that tire recommendation too I actually just got a nail in 2 tires this morning so why not what size is your set up? I was also wondering about going a little wider for extra traction

 

[Gabe]

Really good input i appreciate it. I’m really good about maintenance and have basically every tool I imagine I’d need to do all that stuff. Might take you up on this and start preparing the car for upcoming spring i live in VA so I’m planning to head to VIR around then when it warms back up. Any recommendations on specific brake pads? I’ve seen some conversation concerning this

the first thing that you will have to accept, is that tracking is all about compromise and brake pads are the perfect example.

as your pads get better they will be noisier and dustier. I use Hawks 60-30. They are phenomenal but my car sounds like a dump truck and the dust gets into the cabin after a track weekend. I am just careful to clean the wheels and wash the car etc.

There are many other brands. Project Mu has good pads and a guy here that knows about this car and tracking posted a very comprehensive list.

i Forgot: get a proper alignment. OEM alignment is trash.

go to the “tracking your Supra” section of the forum. All the basic info there.

agree with another poster that increasing power early on the process is NOT the way to go.

 

[Branflakes123]

Weight is definitely something i considered too. The Supra isn’t “heavy” like other BMW’s but it ain’t a sub 3000 lb car either. As far as the motorcycle on track I’m too scared i only ride to avoid traffic when it’s warm out. But this is really good input I’ll look into that tire recommendation too I actually just got a nail in 2 tires this morning so why not what size is your set up? I was also wondering about going a little wider for extra traction

I have a square setup for track 18x11 wheels with 285/35, stock wheels for the road

See that's the great part about motorcycle track days, get over that fear

 

[TBK]

my true dilemma is that I cannot afford another car to build

Delete this mindset. So many people keep pushing back their entry into this wonderful space because of....just 1 more mod bro. You don't need to build anything. Pads, fluid, and make sure the car is in good working order. You shouldn't be pushing 10/10ths to start with anyway. Get some seat time, learn the track, lines, and most importantly, proper track etiquette. There's also much more to track days than just what happens on the track. So when you start going you're also going to figure out how to best get there, what you're going to need (e.g. maybe you don't have fuel onsite and need to bring along a jerry can). These are all things you should learn "on the job". Just go, and leave your ego at home.

 

[MavJ]

1. If you track, be prepared to write off your car. I’ll disagree with others here.. when you’ve shunted off the track at 110 mph and dropped a house downpayment into an addiction, welcome to the club.

Imo, the Supra is a cheap car to write off and it’s also a lousy car to start tracking in. You’ll probably learn bad habits with its engine and power. When I think of it as a z3/z4 chassis derivative with soft-suspension and now turbo engine, I think it’s a horrifically bad car stock to learn fundamentals in. You’ll probably gain confidence too quickly and when you eventually go past 7/10th, it’ll fall apart and bite you like z3/4s historically have.

If your budget and life responsibilities doesn’t allow you to all this and you still want to track or you want to appreciate skillful driving then go to a brz/gr86 or better yet, a miata platform.
2. You’re new as you said so maybe focus on a hpde and an autocross event, or go to a school - bmw clubs often have good introductory experiences. Formal schools are more expensive but probably best if any are near you.
3. Try low-hp / indoor karting. When you’re older and fatter, you might appreciate them more.
4. Try sim-racing.
5. Read some fundamental books like Speed Secrets or Drive to Win.

Honestly, do 5-4-3 … then maybe track..

 

[Rocksandblues]

If in VA and want to check out a friendly track scene- my home track is in Thornburg and I can get you into lead/follow beginner events or even come visit a club day.

 

[FLtrackdays]

1. If you track, be prepared to write off your car. I’ll disagree with others here.. when you’ve shunted off the track at 110 mph and dropped a house downpayment into an addiction, welcome to the club.

Imo, the Supra is a cheap car to write off and it’s also a lousy car to start tracking in. You’ll probably learn bad habits with its engine and power. When I think of it as a z3/z4 chassis derivative with soft-suspension and now turbo engine, I think it’s a horrifically bad car stock to learn fundamentals in. You’ll probably gain confidence too quickly and when you eventually go past 7/10th, it’ll fall apart and bite you like z3/4s historically have.

If your budget and life responsibilities doesn’t allow you to all this and you still want to track or you want to appreciate skillful driving then go to a brz/gr86 or better yet, a miata platform.
2. You’re new as you said so maybe focus on a hpde and an autocross event, or go to a school - bmw clubs often have good introductory experiences. Formal schools are more expensive but probably best if any are near you.
3. Try low-hp / indoor karting. When you’re older and fatter, you might appreciate them more.
4. Try sim-racing.
5. Read some fundamental books like Speed Secrets or Drive to Win.

Honestly, do 5-4-3 … then maybe track..

Agree. But… if he’s coming from motorcycle driving or even better motorcycle racing, then the Supra will be a walk in the park. Sure starting out in a MX5 or GR86 would be better to learn momentum driving w/out any experience. However, if starting with this car, just go slow and don’t add more power (as someone earlier said).

Everyone else summed it up well on here. Buy racing brake pads, flush the fluid when dirty, drive with a reputable group with a good instructors and he’ll be fine. Eventually when the outer tires start wearing, camber plates would be the next step. Again, that’s about it. Leave the ego at the door, do as Gabe said (he started on this car) and he’s is doing it the right way. This car is very forgiving, as long as you don’t have the under 25 yo no fear mentality.

And start with one click off on the big nannies button. You don’t want to ruin your rear brakes and not click the nannies button off (or on - however you want to say it). One click off will give you plenty of safety when starting out. Leaving them all on is meant for the street only.

Edit: Bob posted at the same time I was. Going with someone like him will make a world of difference. And… he has a Supra! Winner winner chicken dinner

 

[SupraBkMkV]

1. If you track, be prepared to write off your car. I’ll disagree with others here.. when you’ve shunted off the track at 110 mph and dropped a house downpayment into an addiction, welcome to the club.

Imo, the Supra is a cheap car to write off and it’s also a lousy car to start tracking in. You’ll probably learn bad habits with its engine and power. When I think of it as a z3/z4 chassis derivative with soft-suspension and now turbo engine, I think it’s a horrifically bad car stock to learn fundamentals in. You’ll probably gain confidence too quickly and when you eventually go past 7/10th, it’ll fall apart and bite you like z3/4s historically have.

If your budget and life responsibilities doesn’t allow you to all this and you still want to track or you want to appreciate skillful driving then go to a brz/gr86 or better yet, a miata platform.

Well i am worried about totaling what is basically my first “upmarket” car I’m only 22 and so I’d be kind of hurt, but if it was a Miata… eh not so much…

as far as the car’s dynamics well it seems most disagree with you in saying it’s lousy to start with. But i’m taking all opinions into consideration and i am of the belief that starting in something lighter and and slower would be “better” in some aspects just based on my knowledge of other cars that I’ve driven.

 

[SupraBkMkV]

If in VA and want to check out a friendly track scene- my home track is in Thornburg and I can get you into lead/follow beginner events or even come visit a club day.

Dm me we can set something up I’m open to it

 

[Kenn]

This post is gonna come off extremely “amateur-ish” but I wanna hear from Supra owners and i don’t know any.
I’ve recently been fixated on actually getting into track driving. I’m confident I want to start doing full on track days. I’m unsure if I should start with the Supra. The small amount of people I’ve met at meets who own one have told me the platform can be extremely tedious and expensive if you’re beating on it in the summer months. I also have 0 experience on a track aside from drag racing in my previous cars so, I’m not sure I wanna track a ~50k car to start. I’ve driven the car spiritedly this year but I’m sure on track is a completely different experience so is it “beginner friendly?” How much is typical to spend on consumables and reasonable mods to make the car more competent on track as I progress as a driver?

Aside from my questions, my true dilemma is that I cannot afford another car to build. It’s either Supra or sell it and grab something cheap to build. I already have 3 cars and a motorcycle so adding a 4th is just too much at that point.
I’m sure at least a few of you track junkies can tell me about your experiences on track with the Supra and if I should commit to making it a dedicated track car.

Probably repeating all the great advice provided above but definitely go to a few track days with the car as is to see how you like it first. Stock car is more than capable as a beginner driver. Then from there you can definitely add better brake fluid, pads, tires, alignment, etc. as you progress like everyone said. Every track day I've been to has been beginner friendly for sure.

Consumables can be expensive but depends on how many track days you plan to do in a season and if you want a dual purpose car. This also depends on how fast you learn and how much you are pushing it. But being in the Novice and Intermediate run groups you will still have an instructor with you until you get solo'd. I wouldn't worry about crashing the car as much since you won't be pushing it that hard your first few track days.

Feel free to reach out as well. I started tracking my car about 2 years ago with about 30 track days in the books so I'm still relatively new to this.

 

[NINaudio]

If you're new to tracking the stock pads will be

Well i am worried about totaling what is basically my first “upmarket” car I’m only 22 and so I’d be kind of hurt, but if it was a Miata… eh not so much…

as far as the car’s dynamics well it seems most disagree with you in saying it’s lousy to start with. But i’m taking all opinions into consideration and i am of the belief that starting in something lighter and and slower would be “better” in some aspects just based on my knowledge of other cars that I’ve driven.

Track insurance is usually 300-400 a weekend.

First car I ever tracked had 440 whp and 500 wtq. Just be more cautious when exploring the edge.

I got the Supra with the intention of tracking more and having something that was relatively track ready out of the door. I still consider myself to be an intermediate level driver and the stock pads lasted me through 6 HPDE events. All I did before my first track event with the Supra was switch to high temp brake fluid and 5w30 oil. It's a very fun and capable car IMO. Don't try to go crazy and listen to your instructors. Learn the line first, then add speed in. Leave your ego at home, give the faster drivers point bys and observe their lines.

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